Take appropriate steps to fight flu

It's time for the annual debate -- is it flu or is it viral gastroenteritis -- "stomach flu"?

Regardless, dealing with the flu is taking on special urgency this year, thanks to the threat of H1N1 flu this year.

In fact, if you have the flu, it's probably H1N1 and not the regular seasonal flu, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Nebraska's level of flu is widespread, according to the agency, with at least half of the regions of the state being affected by H1N1 and increasing flu activity.

"There are outbreaks all over the state, including the Panhandle, central and southeast parts of the state," said Dr. Joan Schaefer, chief medical officer and director of the Division of Public Health.

Nebraska began receiving more than 6,100 doses of intranasal spray vaccine Monday, with more expected as the week goes on, to be distributed to 15 communities.

The vaccine, FluMist, can be given to healthy individuals age 2-24. Children and young adults under the age of 24 are one of the priority groups to receive the vaccine.

An injectable form of the H1N1 vaccine may be available later in the week, and will be given to pregnant women and some people with underlying medical conditions such as asthma who can only receive the injectable type.

H1N1, and seasonal flu, usually causes a high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, a dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and, sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, more commonly in children than adults.

If you have serious symptoms, see your health care provider, by all means, but don't demand that he or she give you antibiotics, Schaefer said.

"Antibiotics can address bacterial infections, but not viral illnesses like influenza," she said. "So, please don't ask your doctor for antibiotics if you have the flu. Antibiotics won't make you feel better or recover faster."

Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance, a concern to public health officials and medical providers.

If bacteria develop resistance to certain antibiotics, the drugs may not be useful any more in treating infection. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them, or not as prescribed increases your risk of getting an antibiotic-resistant infection.

"Antibiotic overuse is a serious problem and a threat to everyone's health," Dr Schaefer said. So, instead of asking for an antibiotic you don't need and which won't do any good, take your doctor or healthcare provider's advice.

"If you do have the flu, if it's appropriate, your health care provider may prescribe an antiviral drug, not an antibiotic, for you," Dr. Schaefer said. "Antivirals, if taken in the first 48 hours, may lessen your symptoms and shorten the duration of your illness."

The best advice?

* Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer;

* Avoid close contact with people who appear ill;

* Get vaccinated for the flu and, if appropriate, get the pneumococcal vaccine, as well. Ask your health care provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is observing the second annual Get Smart About Antibiotics Week October 5-11.

For more information visit www.dhhs.ne.gov.